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What Is the 11+? A Parent’s Guide
For many parents, the 11+ can feel confusing and overwhelming at first. With different exam formats, registration dates, and preparation advice, it can be difficult to know where to begin. In this guide, we explain what the 11+ is, what it involves, and how you can support your child through the process.
1/12/20262 min read
What Is the 11+ Exam?
The 11+ is an entrance exam used by many grammar schools and some independent schools to help decide which pupils are offered places in Year 7.
Children usually sit the exam at the beginning of Year 6, although preparation often begins earlier in Year 4 or Year 5 to help build confidence and secure key skills gradually over time.
The exact format of the 11+ varies depending on the school or area, but most exams assess a combination of:
English
Maths
Verbal reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning
Some schools may also include creative writing tasks or comprehension papers.
What Skills Does the 11+ Test?
The 11+ is designed to assess a child’s academic ability, problem-solving skills, and reasoning skills rather than simply testing what they can memorise.
English
Children may be tested on:
Reading comprehension
Vocabulary
Grammar and punctuation
Spelling
Creative writing
Maths
Questions often focus on:
Arithmetic
Fractions and percentages
Problem solving
Reasoning
Multi-step calculations
Verbal Reasoning
This assesses how well children can use language, patterns, and logic to solve problems.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
This focuses on visual problem-solving skills using shapes, patterns, and sequences.
When Should Children Start Preparing?
Every child is different, but many families begin gentle preparation during Year 4 or early Year 5. Starting early allows children to:
Build confidence gradually
Strengthen core skills
Become familiar with question styles
Avoid feeling overwhelmed closer to the exam
Preparation should feel manageable and balanced. Short, regular practice sessions are usually far more effective than long periods of intense revision.
How Can Parents Support Their Child?
One of the most important things parents can do is create a calm and supportive environment.
Helpful ways to support your child include:
Encouraging regular reading
Practising little and often
Celebrating effort and progress
Building confidence
Keeping routines balanced and positive
It is important that children understand their value is not defined by one exam result. Confidence, resilience, and a positive attitude towards learning are just as important as academic progress.
How Orchard Learning Academy Can Help
At Orchard Learning Academy, we provide supportive and personalised 11+ tuition designed to help children grow in confidence as well as ability.
Our sessions focus on:
Building secure foundations
Developing problem-solving skills
Improving exam technique
Reducing anxiety around the 11+
Helping children feel motivated and supported
We believe that successful preparation comes from encouragement, consistency, and creating an environment where children feel confident to learn and grow.
If you would like to find out more, you can book a free assessment to discuss your child’s current strengths and the best next steps for their learning journey.
Ready to Help Your Child Grow in Confidence and Learning?
Book a free assessment today and discover how Orchard Learning Academy can support your child’s 11+ journey with personalised, supportive tuition designed to build confidence, skills, and success.
